James Lee Seaman, age 74, passed away April 13, 2017, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital, Aberdeen, Wash. He was born Oct. 21, 1942, in Aberdeen, Wash. to Raymond Seaman and Mildred (Seaman) Troyer. He was a graduate of Montesano High School and Grays Harbor College.
James worked as a Merchant Seaman for Foss tugs out of Seattle, and HR Water Taxi out of Los Angeles. James worked in the nuclear industry as a Senior Safety and Health Specialist on various nuclear plants throughout the U.S. While working for Ebasco he worked at Princeton University as Senior Health Specialist on a Tokamak Fusion Reactor.
He was a volunteer firefighter, EMT, IV Tech, for Elma, Bush Creek Fire District. He also served on the Elma Civil Service Commission as chairperson. He was a life time member of the VFW post #2455, Montesano, also belonged to the Sea Wolf organization.
James served in the U.S. Navy and in the Army National Guard. He served two tours of combat in Vietnam. His first tour was on PACV Aircushion Vehicles. Second tour serving with the helicopter attack squadron Three (HAL-3) as a door gunner. While serving in the Military James earned the following Awards: Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon; Vietnam Service Medal (HAL-3); Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation-Gallantry; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation- Civil Action; 12 Air Medals, 1 combat Action ribbon; Good Conduct Ribbon and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross.
James was an avid motorcycle rider, vintage and antique car enthusiast, he also considered himself an “Outlaw Racer” with his Mustang GT, He was also an armature bird watcher.
Surviving relatives include his wife Sandra Lee Seaman of 41 years; Travis Lee Downs, who he called his son and a brother Raymond Seaman. A sister, Sandra Madison (Seaman), and brother, Robert Seaman, died previously.
James was held at Coleman Funeral Home in Hoquiam, Wash., and was then transported to Pearson’s Funeral Home in Roseburg OR, where he was laid to rest with Military honors at the Roseburg VA National Cemetery. MY HUSBAND; MY HERO.
